Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Keeping Busy...

...Or, trying to! This summer wasn't exactly what I had hoped, but I'm determined to enjoy what is left of it. It was really hot, and then really cooled down, so I didn't do a lot of outdoor-sy things that I had planned. So, I've been reading, reading...Trying to read two books per month. I know that's not much, but it seems my attention span gets shorter with age! :o I would like to be able to read one book per week, but...Anyway, what have I read? As I mentioned in a post last autumn, I adore ghost stories. I've been looking for more novels that are similar to Henry James' The Turn of the Screw. Now, there are a lot of modern novels dealing with ghosts and the paranormal, but many, unfortunately, are erotica--and if there's one thing I can't stomach, it's erotica. I just want to read about ghosts and get scared to sleep at night! BUT!!! I found one! It was recommended by my library for me, as a personalized reading list I requested. The Ghost Writer, by John Harwood. Better than the main plot line were the Victorian ghost stories within. John Harwood's writing really made me feel I was reading a glimpse of something from the Victorian era. My favorite short story within the book was "Seraphina," about a man who is haunted by a painting of a beautiful lady. Harwood can write such great Victorian-style ghost stories, I thought, that he could write a whole book of them.And then, I found it.

The Seance, by John Harwood, is exactly what I have been looking for, for so, so long! Wonderfully paced, expertly changing perspective, this is the ideal spooky, "gothic" ghost novel, in my eyes. It was a book I couldn't wait to get back to when I had put it down, and one that I missed when I finished it, which only took six days (rare for me!). And in the end of both of these novels, there is a logical explanation for everything. They are like combination ghost/mystery/suspense novels. Here is a great review of The Seance: http://www.skrishnasbooks.com/2009/03/seance-john-harwood.html

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I'm also keeping busy with my cosmetics! I have a Halloween collection I'm working on, which I'm planning to release in late September or early October. So please check out my Facebook page if you're interested! :)

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About Me

Perfumer, cosmetics formulator, jewelry maker. My admiration of past eras inspires all of my work! Styles of the 1930s and '40s are my favorite, but overall, 1900-1950s are of my main interest on this blog.